Laieski says the ban violates his constitutional rights, and the rights of others, by preventing him from participating in the “lifesaving act” of donating blood because of his sexual orientation.

In recent years, similar bans have been lifted or modified in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Sweden and New Zealand, allowing gay and bisexual men to donate blood under less stringent restrictions.

Laieski has been active in the LGBT rights movement since age 14 when he was a victim of anti-gay bullying at his Arizona high school. He rose to national prominence in May 2011 when he traveled to Washington to lobby members of Congress to support the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA).

And Finally…

This might only be news to me, but it’s my party and I’ll gush if I want to: Here’s Ryan Adams covering one of his old Whiskeytown tunes, something that rarely happens:

Until next time, Unicorns!

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Sara Habein

Sara Habein is the author of Infinite Disposable, a collection of microfiction, and her work has appeared on The Rumpus, Pajiba and Word Riot, among others. Her book reviews and other commentary appear at Glorified Love Letters, and she is the co-manager of Electric City Creative.
View all posts by Sara Habein